#Italy #Rome #Ernesto Illy #Ngamba Coffee #Finca Villa Mercedes

Winners of the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award 2025 Announced

The prestigious Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award, now in its tenth year, celebrated its winners in a remarkable ceremony held at the historic Palazzo Colonna in Rome on November 11, 2025. This year, the awards recognized outstanding contributions to coffee quality and sustainability, with Rwanda's Ngamba Coffee Washing Station claiming the esteemed "Best of the Best" award. Represented by Emmanuel Akiba, Ngamba is noted for its exceptional coffee quality that aligns exquisitely with the flavor profiles cherished by illycaffè.

El Salvador's Finca Villa Mercedes, part of Agroindustrial Yaya and represented by Juan Hosè Herrera, was awarded the inaugural "Coffee Lovers Choice." This award, determined by consumer votes, reflects a growing international appreciation for El Salvador's unique coffee offerings. According to Andrea Illy, Chairman of illycaffè, this annual event serves as a standard for promoting not just quality, but also transparency and sustainability in coffee production, significantly benefitting local communities and encouraging ecologically responsible agricultural practices.

The awards were decided by a distinguished technical jury, featuring leading experts and illy Chef Ambassadors. Their rigorous evaluation process was centered on strict criteria concerning quality, flavor, and sustainability. New to this year’s event was the inclusion of a consumer jury formed at ITA Airways lounges in Rome, demonstrating illy's commitment to accessibility and consumer involvement in the coffee appreciation journey.

Prominent figures from the coffee industry attended the ceremony, including the celebrated director Francis Ford Coppola, along with other luminaries from the arts. The event featured meaningful discussions on pressing topics, such as regenerative agriculture and the strategic incorporation of artificial intelligence in the coffee sector, held at the FAO headquarters before the main ceremony. This provided a platform for dialogue amongst key industry players, further emphasizing the intertwined nature of quality production and social accountability.

illycaffè, an Italian family-owned company established in Trieste in 1933, has long championed the provision of superior coffee worldwide. Its unique blend of 100% Arabica beans reflects a dedication to quality, with only the top 1% being selected for their beverages. On a global scale, illy serves more than 10 million cups of coffee daily across over 140 countries.

The company's sustainable business model was solidified in 2019 when it achieved Benefit Company status and later earned the esteemed B Corp certification in 2021. The brand's commitment to beauty and art is evident not only in its visually stunning logo designed by renowned artist James Rosenquist, but also in their illy Art Collection, showcasing cups designed by over 135 international artists.

Moreover, illy's Università del Caffè is pivotal in cultivating knowledge and skills among growers, baristas, and coffee enthusiasts, offering courses in 24 countries globally. Last year, illycaffè reported a turnover of approximately €630 million, with its brand outlets extending to 157 locations across 28 countries.

As the coffee industry continues to evolve, the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award stands as a vital initiative, not just recognizing excellence, but also fostering a community committed to the sustainable growth and development of one of the world's most beloved beverages.